DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed small cell or non-small cell primary lung cancer with symptomatic endobronchial lesion(s) partially or totally obstructing airway distal to the carina and accessible by endoscopy Recurrent disease following prior therapy and/or be ineligible for, or refuse, alternative standard therapy such as: Surgery External radiation therapy Chemotherapy High grade obstruction necessitating more rapid aeration and palliation than standard therapy can provide No evidence of encasement or extension of the tumor to the right or left major pulmonary vessels on CT of the chest No tumor involvement at trachea or carina